Promoting the JET Programme and Japan in Western Australia

News 12/10/10

Hi everyone. Just over a month to go until the Regional Conference comes to Perth and we are busy as beavers, but we’ve still had time to put this newsletter together for you with the following content. Coming up, don’t forget to drop in to our Careers Seminar, the Japan Film Festival and the Japanese School in Perth’s annual 文化祭 (bunkasai).

1. Careers Seminar

Each year for the past 3 years JETAAWA has organised aCareers Seminar to give returnees, other ex-JETs and uni students ideas on how to turn their study and interest in Japan/Japanese into a job. This year we have another great lineup, with presenters (mostly ex-JETs) from fields such as government, resources, Japanese companies, teaching, translating/interpreting, market development, and, for the students, JET itself.

We are lucky enough this year to have delegates from CLAIR Tokyo coming to observe and participate, so it would be great to see you all there! Entry is free and there are refreshments provided. Pass the details on to interested parties and ask them to RSVP to employ@jetaawa.com too!

Details are: 6pm~ Tuesday 26 October 2010 at UWA Social Sciences Lecture Room 1 (as the past 2 years). More info is available on facebook.

2. Regional Conference

From November 19-21, ANZ chapter and country reps are descending on Fremantle to take part in the 2010 Oceania Regional Conference, organised this year by JETAAWA. Following a welcome reception at the Consul-General’s residence on 19 November, we will be holding presentations from the various chapters over 20-21 November at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle. We’d love it if you were able to join us for some or all of these presentations and let Oceania know what you think about JET and JETAA at the moment. Our theme is 恩返し: Giving back, but there will be a lot of talk about budgets and funding as well, it seems! We’d love your input.

There will also be a dinner in Fremantle on the evening of Saturday 20 November following the day of presentations. If you’d like to participate, please let us know at president@jetaawa.com.

On 21 November, we will be having a few more presentations followed by a farewell BBQ on the beach or in Kings Park. Again, it would be great if you could join us – please let us know!

3. Japan Film Festival 2010

Thanks to the Consulate-General, we have 4 tickets per movie to offer to this year’s Film Festival. If you want them, contact president@jetaawa.comASAP. We can give you 2 tickets per JETAAWA member, so they will go fast.

Please don’t apply unless you’re certain you can make it! Your names will then be at the door when you arrive, so you will have a guaranteed seat.

The official line is:
The Consulate-General of Japan at Perth, the State Library of Western Australia and the Japan Foundation are once again pleased to bring you the Japanese Film Festival, which will be held over six nights in late October.

The line-up of films for this year’s festival includes genres such as animation, comedy and family drama, covering storylines including TV game show, long-distance marathon running, post-war boom and family illness. It’s set to be an exciting six nights of viewing with highlights including the animated film Chibi Maruko Chan, and the film which won on Oscar in the Foreign Language Film category at the 2009 Academy Awards, Departures. All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. Details of the festival are as follows:

4. Employment opportunity

(1) In advance of the Careers Seminar, we have the heads up on an employment opportunity if you have worked in the steel industry.

One of our contacts is seeking a person who can be young but has 2-3 years experience in the industry and will offer her/him around 90K incl. Super. The candidate needs to have either Japanese trading company (shosha would be the best) experience or steel industry experience. They do not need to able to speak Japanese but an interest in it would be highly regarded.

(2) There is also an opportunity at the Consulate-General.
The Consulate-General of Japan at Perth is seeking a responsible and enthusiastic individual for the position of Assistant in the Information and Culture Section. Salary is commensurate with experience.

* Candidate must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia. *

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Lunch Break: 1pm-2pm

Principal Responsibilities:
– Create and update contact lists
– Answer general and specific enquiries
– Maintain the office website (Japanese/English) and manage the office online newsletter
– Help organize Japanese cultural events, receptions, meetings and seminars
– Write and/or translate official letters and various documents
– Secretarial work such as making appointments, answering phone calls, etc.
– Other responsibilities as needed and appropriate

Requirements:
– Fluent in English
– Japanese language skills strongly preferred- Proficient computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, (knowledge of Adobe Dreamweaver also preferred), etc.- Experience living or working in Japan preferred
– Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

How to apply
Please send a resume along with an introductory cover letter in English (preferably also in Japanese) to the address below by Friday, 29 October 2010. Short-listed applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview date. Application and related documents will not be returned. We do not accept applications by fax or email.

5. Japanite

Japanite is on again on 30 October at the Deen. Click here to see the flyer.

We even have a secret password for JETAAWA members. If you bring along a piece of paper with “ichiban” or “一番” on it you can get in for $5 with a welcome drink! Now that’s value.

6. Choir

“The Milky Way”, a community based Japanese female choir group is celebrating its 5th anniversary by holding a concert at St. Stephens Uniting Church, Applecross on 30th Oct. Details are on the attached flyer here.

The concert is aimed at people with an interest in Japan, as we will sing Japanese folk songs and J-pop, etc. Get along and find out more about Milky Way.

7. Japanese School Festival

The Japanese School in Perth is having its annual bunkasai on Sunday 7 November 2010 at its grounds at 20 Kalinda Dr, City Beach.

Last year was the biggest ever and we expect this year to be even bigger!

JETAAWA will be there cooking gyoza and you will be able to find lots of other freshly cooked Japanese food and crafts, as well as check out the displays and exhibitions by the students! Just like being back at school in Japan!

8. kaiWA

To get your fortnightly dose of Japanese (or English!) come on down to kaiWA at 43 Below (corner of Hay & Barrack streets). We’ve introduced some new language exercises to get people learning and talking!

Upcoming dates are: Thursday 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov.

9. October committee meeting

This month we are meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 14 October, venue TBC. If you are interested in attending please let us know!